(Newser)
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Barbara Bush underwent open-heart surgery today at a Houston hospital and is doing "fine" now, a family spokeswoman said. "In fact, she is awake." Doctors described the procedure as a cautionary measure after finding hardening on part of her aorta last week, reports CNN. Doctors replaced her aortic valve. The surgery is not related to a procedure that Bush, 83, had in November for a perforated ulcer.

"I am very impressed with and grateful to the wonderful team of doctors and nurses at the Methodist Hospital who have helped Barbara," said the elder George Bush. "We have every confidence she is in the best hands."